Grantee Research Project Results
Novel Remediation Technique for PFAS contaminated Soil and Sediment
EPA Contract Number: 68HE0D18C0027Title: Novel Remediation Technique for PFAS contaminated Soil and Sediment
Investigators: Nayak, Subhadarshi
Small Business: QMetry Corporation
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: I
Project Period: October 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019
Project Amount: $100,000
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase I (2018) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) , SBIR - Land Revitalization
Description:
Both chemicals Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) are very
persistent, toxic, and bio-accumulate in the environment and human body. PFAS can end up in soil
from multiple sources, often mixed with other pollutants. Because of their unique lipid- and
water-repellent characteristics, PFOS and PFOA are used as surface-active agents in various
high-temperature applications and as a coating on surfaces that contact with strong acids or bases. It
also make these materials extremely difficult to destroy. In the SBIR Phase I, QMetry in collaboration
with University of Kentucky, Lexington will investigate the feasibility of a electrochemical advanced
oxidation process. The composite electrode – made from ordinary materials - is chemically and
physically modified such a way that it preferentially adsorbs and oxidizes PFOS and PFOA molecules.
The composite electrode is benign and disposable and can be implemented in ordinary farming and
construction equipment. If successful, the remediation method can be carried out in situ without
extensive material and energy input or capital investment. Environmentally compatible with clean
oxidant and without secondary pollutants, this method will be immensely beneficial for remediation
market. The team will target semiconductor manufacturing and oil and gas industry for initial
commercialization – it’s current primary customers.
Supplemental Keywords:
remediation, PFASProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.